CHAPTER IV 



Management of Shows 



N preference to discussing the merits or demerits of shows 

 we will simply say that we owe the excellence in conforma- 

 tion of the dogs of the present day to shows, and give a few 

 hints as to show management. 



It is our firm conviction that the best-managed show is 

 that in which responsibility is concentrated. A committee of three good men 

 is preferable to anything larger. A large committee only enables interested 

 owners to work in a friendly judge, whereas the selection of a judge by a 

 majority of three men gives a far better chance for merit alone to speak. We 

 do not believe in the salaried superintendent having anything to do with the 

 selection — not even to communicating in any way with a prospective judge. 

 At the committee's request he may submit suggestions, but there is far too 

 much evidence, or has been, that superintendents' selections are made in 

 part with an eye to future benefits for themselves by their selecting leading 

 officials of other clubs, who in return reciprocate by engaging the superin- 

 tendent to manage their shows or to judge. That is one of the evils of show 

 management, and an equal one is permitting judges to pass upon each 

 other's dogs at the same show. 



Have the club secretary hold all communications with prospective 

 judges, and in making selections endeavour as much as possible to get out 

 of any beaten path that has been followed at preceding shows. A new man 

 is tried, proves successful, and immediately he is in demand at a number 

 of shows. Committeemen would do well to mark how often their con- 

 templated judge has been out of late, for the more frequently that has been 

 the case the more limited becomes his support, for dogs beaten under him 

 are kept at home, whereas a new man causes owners to try again. This 

 same over-worked man will do to try at a show six months later, or in a 

 widely different part of the country. Look out for popular men who have 

 had a rest and will attract entries of winners and defeated alike. 



In drawing up the premium list do not aim too high : more shows have 



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